Respiratory Illnesses Surge: Essentia Health Offers Timely Care Options

Respiratory illnesses are on the rise across the BRAINERD region, prompting Essentia Health to enhance its same-day and virtual care options. With research indicating that approximately one in three visits to emergency departments are for non-emergency conditions, the healthcare provider is urging patients to select the appropriate level of care for their symptoms. This approach not only facilitates timely medical assistance but also helps keep emergency departments available for those with critical needs.

Choose the Right Care for Your Symptoms

Utilizing emergency services for non-critical issues can lead to delays for patients experiencing life-threatening conditions. Essentia Health recommends several alternatives based on individual symptoms:

– **24/7 Video Visit On Demand**: Access care anytime through the MyChart patient portal for urgent needs.
– **E-Visit**: Receive online care from an Essentia provider, available 24/7, for common ailments.
– **Primary Care or Virtual Video Visit**: Ideal for conditions such as cold symptoms (cough, congestion), flu, fever, sore throat, eye redness, nausea, ear pain, or rash.
– **Urgent Care or Walk-In Services**: Suitable for low-grade fevers, migraines, mild but ongoing nausea or vomiting, or persistent cough.

Patients can check the Wait Time Map to locate the nearest facilities. For serious conditions like breathing difficulties, chest pain, severe injury, or sudden numbness, immediate emergency department care is necessary.

Individuals uncertain about their care options can call the Essentia Nurse Care Line at **800-714-4646**, access MyChart, or visit the Essentia Health same-day care webpage for assistance. An online tool is also available to help patients understand their immediate care options.

Urgent Response to Respiratory Illnesses

“We have a number of ways to ensure our patients receive the right level of care, based on their symptoms,” said Christie Erickson, nurse practitioner and associate chief medical officer for Essentia’s East Market. “These include same-day options so we can get you in right away. We’re experiencing an especially challenging flu season, and we want to do everything we can to keep people healthy and out of the hospital.”

In the past week, about **15%** of emergency department visits at Essentia Health-Fargo were attributed to influenza. The Minnesota Department of Health reported more than **5,100** cases of influenza statewide as of **December 21, 2023**, a significant increase from fewer than **1,900** cases two weeks earlier. Additionally, high rates of COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have added strain to healthcare resources, highlighting the importance of seeking appropriate care.

By offering accessible care options, Essentia Health aims to manage the influx of patients during this challenging season while ensuring those with severe health issues receive the urgent attention they require.